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It would then be in alignment with similar centers like Harbin Hot Springs, Esalen Institute, Omega Institute, Hollyhock in B.C., Opal Creek, and most retreat centers).
It is already asking for donations like a nonprofit while retaining its for-profit cooperative corporation status. As a nonprofit tax-exempt organization it could receive donations directly and apply for grants.
Possibly most importantly it could use volunteer labor to lower expenses (payroll is its biggest expense) and guest’s costs (they get free camping in the summer for some work). Many people would welcome the opportunity to have a deeper bond with the Breitenbush community by volunteering their labor and skills. Breitenbush was founded on volunteer labor in its early years.
Breitenbush has not been profitable for two years and it’s not likely to be for some years anyway.
Breitenbush has to reinvent its physical structure so it could be good to reinvent its organizational structure as well.I believe that it would be the best way to ensure that Breitenbush survives all of us into the distant future. Becoming a non-profit organization, as many other centers are, allows for those people who want to donate their time, resources and skills to the ongoing reconstruction and upkeep of Breitenbush to do so without fear of insurance claims. It means having enough money to pay people for their work (non-volunteers) and would likely make it easier to manage and oversee housing people who are there for a temporary period of time while they contribute and demonstrate their love for that sacred place. Perhaps if people understood that they are there for a specific purpose, contributing to the whole vision and that they have left a part of themselves behind for posterity, it would make it easier for more people to experience the beauty of Breitenbush, as the people there come and go with time as jobs are completed. Imagine how wonderful it could be if volunteers would come, out of a love for the place, do something to contribute, leave feeling fulfilled and Breitenbush is made better for it without concern for payment. Materials might even show up with volunteers as they’re provided with a list of what is needed.
Yes I think this would be a good direction for them to go in.
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